Methodist College Belfast were crowned McCullough Cup Tier 2 Champions whilst Banbridge Academy and Wallace HS qualified for the Tier 1 Final at Havelock Park yesterday.
The first game of the day saw MCB take on Grosvenor in the Tier 2 Final with goals from Jonah Jackson and Joel Gheel securing a 2-0 win for Methody.
An end-to-end start to the tie saw early chances for both sides but with neither breaking the deadlock they went into the first break at 0-0.
Just four minutes into the second quarter came the opening goal of the fixture from Jonah Jackson.
MCB caught their opponents on the break and after the first effort was saved by the Grosvenor goalkeeper, Jackson was quickest to the ball to score the rebound.
They doubled their advantage in the second half having once again caught their fellow finalists on the counter.
Having been found in space, Joel Gheel got the ball under control before turning onto his strong side and picking out the corner with just five minutes to go.
Despite their 2-0 lead, there was a late scare for the eventual champions as they were reduced to nine for the closing stages with late green and yellow cards.
However, the side held on to their advantage and were crowned the inaugural winners of the McCullough Cup Tier 2.
Meanwhile, in the first of the two Tier 1 semi-finals, Banbridge Academy came out on top as they beat Friends’ School Lisburn 3-1.
Two goals from Adam McKee and a further strike from Josh Brownlee sealed the victory for the side despite a consolation goal from Friends’ Captain Robbie Mayne.
They will now face Wallace High School in the final after the Lisburn side beat Instonians in a 4-2 thriller at Havelock Park.
Having fallen behind twice courtesy of RBAI goals from John Cunningham and Matthew McAreavey, Wallace came back to seal the victory.
Goals from William McMullan and Max Turner drew the side level on each occasion before they finally took the lead themselves through Milo Thompson with just ten minutes to play.
With RBAI piling on the pressure, Wallace wrapped up the victory with Max Turner scoring his second of the game with just a minute left remaining on the clock.
They will now face Banbridge Academy in the final which is scheduled to take place next Wednesday at Havelock Park.
PHOTO: FRONT ROW UNION
